April 21, 2004

Water Stewardship Minister Steve Ashton today confirmed that independent facilitator Wally Fox-Decent will continue to facilitate talks between stakeholders regarding the Red River Floodway expansion project.

“I am very pleased that Mr. Fox-Decent has agreed to continue to be involved in this process,” said Ashton. “He is a well-respected individual who brings a wealth of experience to these discussions. The Province of Manitoba is committed to ensuring that this project is delivered on time and on budget.”

Fox-Decent will convene meetings with stakeholders and make recommendations on the project labour agreement. In particular, he is expected to make recommendations regarding union memberships and union dues within a couple of weeks.

“We hope Mr. Fox-Decent is successful in reaching consensus between the parties,” said Ashton. “We are committed to moving ahead on this project once we receive these recommendations. We look forward to the constructive input of all the parties.”

In addition to the project labour agreement, there are two other key issues—tendering, and education and training—in the planning of this project that require further discussion and decisions to ensure that the Red River Floodway project is delivered effectively and efficiently, said Ashton. The Manitoba Floodway Expansion Authority is currently developing a process to examine tendering, and education and training components of the project and has asked Fox-Decent to facilitate the next meeting on these issues.

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